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The case against Trump for obstruction of justice

President Trump engaged in obstruction of justice, Robert Reich writes, when he pressured FBI Director James Comey to end an investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. / Getty Images

Obstruction of justice was among the articles of impeachment drafted against both Presidents Richard M. Nixon and Bill Clinton. The parallel between Nixon and President Donald Trump is almost exact. White House tapes revealed Nixon giving instructions to pressure the acting FBI director into halting the Watergate investigation.

OPINION

Two weeks after Trump told FBI Director James Comey privately that “I need loyalty. I expect loyalty,” he had another private meeting with Comey in the Oval Office. After shooing out his advisers — all of whom had top security clearance — Trump said to Comey, according to Comey’s memo written shortly after the meeting, “I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go.”

Trump was referring to Michael Flynn, his former national security advisor, who was under investigation by the FBI for his possible ties to Russia.

Then on May 9, Trump fired Comey. In a subsequent interview with NBC, Trump said he had planned to fire Comey “regardless of [the] recommendation” of the U.S. attorney general and deputy attorney general, partly because of “this Russia thing.” Trump also revealed in the interview that he had had several conversations with Comey about the Russia investigation, and had asked Comey if he was under investigation.

The federal crime of obstruction of justice applies to “[w]hoever corruptly, or by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication influences, obstructs, or impedes or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede the due and proper administration of the law” in a proceeding or investigation by a government department or agency or Congress.

As in Nixon’s case, a decision to support an “inquiry of impeachment” resolution in the House — to start an impeachment investigation — doesn’t depend on sufficient evidence to convict a person of obstruction of justice, but simply probable cause to believe a president may have obstructed justice.

There’s already more than enough evidence of probable cause to begin that impeachment inquiry of Donald Trump.